Power Source Connection Device for Low-Temperature Showcases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power source connection devices in low-temperature showcases are prone to power leakage and plug disconnection due to dew condensation and frost formation, leading to insecure attachment and increased component complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A power source connection device with a vessel-like socket and plug design, featuring a protruding electrode, engaging portions, seal material, and a drip-proof cover, which securely attaches the plug to the socket and reduces frost-related issues while minimizing component complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cap is provided on each power source socket to prevent dew condensation water from entering, then power leakage is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of power leakageVSAvoidcomplexity of power source socket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protective function from the power source socket structure by providing a separate cap that covers the electrode portion. This separates the protection function from the socket structure, preventing power leakage while maintaining simple socket design. The cap can be removed when the plug is connected and reattached when disconnected, providing protection without complicating the socket itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap acts as an intermediary element between the electrode portion and the environment. It provides a protective barrier that prevents dew condensation water from entering the electrode portion, while allowing the power source plug to be connected and disconnected. This intermediary structure solves the contradiction by providing protection without permanently modifying the socket structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple power source sockets are arranged vertically on the partition plate, then adaptability to shelf device position changes is improved, but the risk of dew condensation water entering unconnected sockets increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to in-chamber layout changesVSAvoiddew condensation water entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protection function from the socket structure and provides it through separate caps. This allows multiple sockets to be arranged vertically for adaptability, while each socket can be individually protected with a cap when not in use, preventing dew condensation water entry without requiring structural modifications to the sockets themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the power source socket is attached to the partition plate separating the showroom and cold-air duct, then the socket is positioned for easy access, but the socket temperature drops causing dew condensation water formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of power source socketVSAvoidtemperature of power source socket

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protection function from the socket structure and provides it through separate caps. This allows the socket to be positioned on the partition plate for ease of access, while the cap provides an additional barrier against dew condensation water that forms due to the low temperature environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents power leakage and secure attachment of the power source plug to the socket, even in low-temperature environments, by using engaging portions and seal material, and reduces frost-related issues, while also reducing component complexity and costs by sharing the drip-proof cover across sockets.

Implementation Method 1

when an in-chamber temperature drops to generate dew condensation water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDew condensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

This dew condensation water turns to frost attached between the power source socket and the power source plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrost formation: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS7494373B2Power source connection device and low-temperature showcase including the same

Publication Date: 2009.02.24 SANYO ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A power source connection device capable of avoiding dropping of a power source plug from a power source socket owing to frost on the power source socket, that has a power source socket attached to a partition plate which separates a showroom of a low-temperature showcase from a cold-air duct; and a power source plug connected to the power source socket, the power source socket has a vessel-like attachment base and an electrode portion formed protruding spaced from an inner portion of an outer peripheral wall constituting the attachment base, the power source plug has a terminal for electrically connecting the power source to the electrode portion and a peripheral wall portion enclosing the terminal, and the power source plug is detachably engaged with the power source socket such that the terminal is connected to the electrode portion of the power source socket.